Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cajun fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1/2 cup feta cheese; 1 head garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons water or cream (for blending); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt to taste

If there’s one dish that embodies cozy comfort with a kick of bold flavor, it’s this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas. This vibrant, hearty bowl blends spice, creaminess, and crunch in a way that instantly makes you want to share it with friends or dive in solo for a satisfying evening indulgence. The golden-seared Cajun chicken offers a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that plays perfectly with the creamy, tangy whipped feta sauce. And just when you think it can’t get any better, crispy chickpeas come in with their crunchy, paprika-kissed finish.

It’s a beautiful mess of textures and flavors, plated over twirled pasta that soaks in every drop of garlicky goodness. Whether you’re planning a comforting family dinner, an elevated weeknight meal, or a dish that impresses at a casual gathering, this pasta does it all without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Full Flavor Experience: Creamy, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite.
Hearty and Satisfying: Generous protein from both chicken and chickpeas makes it a meal-worthy pasta.
Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well and reheats like a dream.
Flexible: Swap pasta types, spice levels, or protein as you like.
Visually Stunning: A photogenic dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this dish is an enjoyable process that doesn’t require a ton of specialty tools, just a few reliable kitchen essentials:

Cast Iron Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect sear on your Cajun chicken and crisping chickpeas.
Blender or Food Processor: For whipping the roasted garlic and feta into a silky sauce.
Baking Tray: Needed to roast the garlic (and chickpeas if oven crisping).
Large Pot: To boil the pasta with ample room.
Fine Mesh Sieve or Colander: Helps drain pasta and rinse chickpeas.
Tongs & Spatula: For easy flipping and serving.

Each tool supports a key step—from searing to blending to boiling—ensuring a balanced and seamless preparation.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: The star protein, seasoned generously with Cajun spices for a smoky, spicy bite.
Cajun Seasoning: The flavor powerhouse that infuses the chicken and chickpeas with warmth and boldness.
Chickpeas (canned or cooked): Roasted until crisp, these add a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor.
Pasta (Linguine or Spaghetti): Twirls beautifully and holds onto the sauce.
Feta Cheese: Blended with roasted garlic to form a luscious whipped topping.
Roasted Garlic: Brings mellow, savory depth to the feta whip.
Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing, helping crisp the chickpeas and sear the chicken.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for brightness and color.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Crisp the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse chickpeas. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Roast or sauté in a skillet until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 4: Sear the Cajun Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Coat with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on edges.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta

In a blender, combine roasted garlic cloves, feta cheese, a splash of olive oil, and a little water or cream. Blend until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Plate

Toss cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and some reserved pasta water. Plate with Cajun chicken, a generous dollop of whipped feta, and crispy chickpeas. Finish with chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing This Cajun Pasta

Serve this dish warm, freshly assembled to enjoy the textures at their best. For storage, keep pasta, chicken, whipped feta, and chickpeas in separate airtight containers. Reheat the pasta and chicken gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Chickpeas are best re-crisped in the oven or air fryer. Whipped feta can be used cold or slightly warmed for spreadability.